An aristocratic wife (Janet Suzman) commissions a young, brash draughtsman (Anthony Higgins) to sketch her husband’s property while he is away—in exchange for a fee, room and board, and more. The draughtsman becomes entwined in the devious scheming of this seemingly idyllic country home. Peter Greenaway deconstructs Renaissance perspective by weaving a labyrinthine mystery of 17th-century intrigue replete with enormous wigs, living statues, intricate wordplay, deceit, erotic interludes, indiscretion, and adultery.

Connection: This film presents sensuous costumery and décor from an era that is suggested in Wiley’s motifs.